Hodgson set to sign Rangers youngster Wilson

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is set to sign highly-rated young Rangers defender Danny Wilson in a deal worth up to five million pounds (7.6 million dollars).

Hodgson made his first signing since taking charge of Liverpool when he swooped for England midfielder Joe Cole earlier this week and teenage centre-back Wilson is about to become the latest arrival at Anfield.

Liverpool have been tracking Wilson for several months and the 18-year-old has been pulled out of the Scottish champions’ pre-season tour of Australia to allow time to complete his move.

Rangers chief executive Martin Bain told the club’s official website: “We have agreed a deal in principle with Liverpool for the transfer of Danny Wilson.

“Liverpool’s offer will see the club receive two million pounds up front with add-ons linked to games played, taking the total value of the deal to five million pounds.”

Rangers had anticipated Wilson’s departure towards the end of last season after the centre-back refused a new contract offer.

Bain added: “Danny was entering the final year of his contract with the club and had indicated that he felt it was in his interests to move on.

“Given that and the value of the offer from Liverpool, it was deemed appropriate to accept that offer given the player wanted to go.”

Wilson made his debut in October 2009 and went on to make 25 appearances, which included Champions League action.

The Scotland Under-19 international won both the PFA Scotland and Scottish Football Writers’ young player of the year awards.